Diocese finishes among top 5 in US
In its third year participating in #iGiveCatholic for Giving Tuesday, the Diocese of Richmond smashed its previous record for the event and placed fifth among the 42 participating dioceses and archdioceses in the United States. The diocese’s 75 participating groups raised $881,206 – more than double and quadruple the totals raised in 2020 ($383,000) and 2019 ($209,000).
“It is so incredible. It was very exciting. It’s just so different than other campaigns, because giving days are so community based,” said Joy Bowes, administrative assistant for the Catholic Community Foundation (CCF). “You can just feel the Holy Spirit moving through the donors, and everyone wants to help.”
That community element was at work in Danville for Sacred Heart Catholic Parish and School. Together, they raised $11,600 to update the lights on their Madonna and Child display for Advent.
“The whole town got together. Even if they weren’t Catholic, they were still helping just because it’s iconic in the town. It’s just really nice,” Bowes said. She added that people also reached out individually to help with supplies and completing the work itself.
Bowes explained that with #iGiveCatholic, each group oversees its own Giving Day and can set its own fundraising challenges and goals. CCF encourages all participants to provide “specific asks” so donors can see where they make an impact.
“It lends itself well to schools and youth ministries and youth organizations,” she said.
Roanoke Catholic School raised over $200,000, taking the top spot in the Diocese of Richmond and appearing at number six on the national leaderboard.
Catholic High School, Virginia Beach, brought in $122,798 to fund its arts programs, which includes music, theater, art and photography.
“Our Lady of Lourdes did a really nice job,” Bowes said. The Richmond parish raised $8,771 to support sacramental preparation and faith formation programs for children.
St. Michael, Glen Allen, dedicated its Giving Tuesday to youth ministry. The $5,500 raised that day will be used to start a youth ministry scholarship and enrichment program at the parish.
Catholic Campus Ministry at James Madison University in Harrisonburg raised $35,595 for retreats, alternative spring break trips and other activities.
“This type of funding could be a lifeline for a parish or school for a certain project,” added Alex Previtera, director of development and operations for CCF.
For example, Church of the Holy Family, Virginia Beach, sought to decrease the parish deficit through #iGiveCatholic and was able to raise $33,000 toward that goal.
Another group that “really stood out,” according to Bowes, was Williamsburg House of Mercy, a nonprofit that helps the homeless. Participating for the first time this year, the organization raised $5,100.
“One of the big differences this year was the utilization of matching gifts, and that made an enormous difference,” said Bowes.
She explained that some of the groups “knew people wanted to give,” so they asked potential donors if they would be willing to make matching contributions. Sponsors provided matching gifts on the diocesan level as well, which Bowes said was “absolutely critical” for this year’s success.
“I am very hopeful that next year even more parishes and ministries will sign up for this. Everyone can benefit,” Bowes said. “Our whole team just gets so excited for this, and we just love seeing what everyone can do.”